Abstract: Apparatus for replacing underground pipe is described, including a resistance plate from which a pair of hydraulic cylinders extend perpendicularly in parallel with each other. The cylinders operate cyclically with a pulling bridge having a cable gripper to provide a sequence of pulling strokes to a cable pulling a mole. The mole pulls a replacement pipe behind it through the old pipe, which has been burst, slit, or otherwise expanded by the mole. The resistance plate is provided with a slot, and the cylinders are positions such as to allow the mode to be pulled substantially completely into the apparatus. A holding bridge is releasably mounted spanning the slot in the reaction plate to position a second cable gripper for holding the cable on return stroke of the pulling bridge. The holding bridge may be removed at the end of the pulling operation to accommodate the mole.

Abstract: The trenchless water pipe replacement device includes a cable pulling device, a pipe splitter, a length of cable and a cable end piece. The cable is fished through a pipe that is to be replaced, and a length of replacement pipe is attached to the end piece. The pipe splitter is disposed at the front end of the pipe and the cable pulling device is disposed behind the pipe splitter. When the cable pulling device is activated, the end piece makes contact with the rear end of the pipe and sufficient pulling force is applied to the cable to dislodge the pipe and pull it onto the pipe splitter, which splits the pipe as it is pulled from the ground. The replacement pipe is pulled behind the end piece, such that when the end piece is entirely pulled through the ground, the replacement pipe is disposed in its place.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.